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9
WICKET CROQUET
(RECREATIONAL)
 This
version of croquet is the one that most of us have played, or seen played in backyards and
cottages. It typically is played with many variations of "House Rules", but the
USCA has created a standardized set of rules. It is usually played with 2, 4 or 6 players
and either 4 or 6 balls. In the case of 2 players, each plays with two balls each, as in
the other variations of the game. When 6 are playing, there are 2 teams of 3 players.
Cut-throat croquet pits 4 or 6 individuals against each other with no team play. Order of
play is blue, red, black, yellow, green and orange.
The equipment used is usually lighter than that of the other versions described above.
Hoops tend to have over 4" openings, up to twice the ball diameter. Balls can range
from 3-1/4" to 3-5/8" diameter.
The court shown here indicates fixed boundaries, but most backyard courts know no such
boundaries. When boundaries are used, balls that roll out of bounds or have rolled past an
imaginary line 1 yard in from all boundaries, are brought in 1 mallet length in from where
they rolled out. This holds true for balls rolling past that imaginary 1 mallet length
line. If a striker has an additional shot yet to play when his/her ball rolls out of
bounds, it is placed in bound and the turn is continued, no penalty is incurred.
The order of players is determined by the toss of a coin or drawing lots, the winner of
which decides on which color they wish to play. The order of the colors to play is
indicated by the colors from the top of the goal stakes. Each player, in turn,
starts playing their ball half way between the starting stake and the first wicket.
As the player passes through each hoop a point and a continuation shot is earned. One
variation of this version suggests that only one continuation shot is earned when running
both 1 & 2 or 6 & 7 hoops.
After the striker has roqueted another ball, there are 4 options available. (1) take 2
continuation stokes from where the striker's ball came to rest or, (2) place the striker's
ball 1 mallet length away from the roqueted ball, in any direction and take 2 continuation
strokes or, (3) take a standard USCA "croquet" shot, followed by a continuation
shot or, (4) follow the last option with the striker placing his/her foot on the their
ball and taking "croquet" followed by a continuation stroke.
Deadness is optional in this game. If it is used, Association rules are usually
implemented, that is, deadness is cleared at the end of the striker's turn or by scoring a
hoop.
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